Very Strenuous

Manaslu Circuit with Nar Phu Valley

Two Restricted Regions, One Epic Trek

Duration
24 Days
Max Altitude
5,320m (Kang La Pass)
Difficulty
Very Strenuous
Group Size
2-10 people
Start/End
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Best Season
March-May, September-November

Overview

The most adventurous combination trek in Nepal, linking the Manaslu Circuit with the Nar Phu Valley through two restricted regions. Trek around the world's eighth highest mountain, Manaslu (8,163m), cross the Larkya La Pass, then continue into the hidden valleys of Nar and Phu before crossing Kang La Pass. This is the ultimate trek for experienced adventurers seeking remote, untouched Himalayan wilderness.

Trek Highlights

  • Two restricted areas in one continuous trek — Manaslu and Nar Phu
  • Circle the world's 8th highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)
  • Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and Kang La Pass (5,320m)
  • Explore the hidden valleys of Nar and Phu villages
  • Visit ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and chortens
  • Trek through the most remote and least-visited trails in Nepal
  • Experience dramatic landscape changes from tropical to high alpine
  • Encounter diverse ethnic communities — Gurung, Tibetan, and Nubri

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Airport welcome, hotel transfer, trek briefing.

2

Drive to Soti Khola

Long scenic drive to the Manaslu Circuit starting point.

7-8 hours

3

Trek to Machha Khola

Trek through subtropical forests along the Budhi Gandaki River.

6-7 hours

4

Trek to Jagat

Continue along the river valley through Gurung villages.

6-7 hours

5

Trek to Deng

Enter the restricted Manaslu region. Cross suspension bridges.

6-7 hours

6

Trek to Namrung

The landscape becomes more Tibetan in character.

6-7 hours

7

Trek to Samagaon

Arrive at Samagaon with views of Manaslu's massive face.

6-7 hours

8

Acclimatization in Samagaon

Rest day. Optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake.

9

Trek to Samdo

Continue north toward the Tibetan border.

4-5 hours

10

Trek to Dharamsala (Larkya BC)

Ascend to Larkya La base camp.

4-5 hours

11

Cross Larkya La to Bimthang

Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) with stunning Manaslu views. Long descent to Bimthang.

8-9 hours

12

Trek to Dharapani

Descend through rhododendron forests to Dharapani.

6-7 hours

13

Trek to Koto

Short trek to Koto, gateway to Nar Phu Valley.

3-4 hours

14

Trek to Meta (Enter Nar Phu)

Enter the restricted Nar Phu Valley. Dramatic landscape change.

6-7 hours

15

Trek to Phu Village

Continue to the clifftop village of Phu.

5-6 hours

16

Explore Phu Village

Acclimatization and exploration of Phu and its monastery.

17

Trek to Nar Village

Cross to Nar through high-altitude yak pastures.

6-7 hours

18

Explore Nar Village

Rest day exploring Nar's unique culture and architecture.

19

Trek to Kang La Base Camp

Ascend to base camp below Kang La Pass.

5-6 hours

20

Cross Kang La to Ngawal

Cross Kang La Pass (5,320m) and descend to Ngawal.

8-9 hours

21

Trek to Manang

Short trek to Manang for well-earned rest.

3-4 hours

22

Drive to Besisahar

Jeep drive down to Besisahar.

7-8 hours

23

Drive to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner celebration.

6-7 hours

24

Departure

Airport transfer for departure.

Altitude Profile

4,850m2,775m700m
Day 1Day 12Day 24
Altitude AMS risk zone (3,500m+)

Best Trekking Season

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best Great Good Not Ideal Closed

What's Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (BB basis)
  • All ground transportation as per itinerary
  • Experienced English-speaking licensed trek guide
  • Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Teahouse/lodge accommodation during trek
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
  • Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit
  • TIMS card
  • First aid medical kit and oximeter
  • Sleeping bag rental (if needed)
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover high altitude & helicopter rescue)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Personal expenses (laundry, WiFi, hot showers, device charging)
  • Beverages during trek (bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol)
  • Tips for guide and porter (guide: $5-10/day, porter: $3-5/day recommended)
  • Extra meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation

Trip Cost Calculator

1612

Group Pricing

1 person: $1550
2-3 people: $1350
4-5 people: $1250
6-12 people: $1150
Per person$1,350
Total (2 people)$2,700
A project ofAdventure Great HimalayaAdventure Great Himalaya

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area requiring a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) costing approximately $90/week, plus the standard Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at $30 and TIMS card at $20. These must be arranged through a registered trekking agency - we handle all permits for you.